According to NOCC General Secretary Vath Chamroeun, Japanese-born Neko’s dream of a berth at the Games requires clearance from the IOC over matters of his nationality and competition history.

Neko received Cambodian citizenship a few months ago.

Should he be found ineligible, home-grown long distance runner Kieng Samorn has been named as a likely replacement for the London-bound squad, with Cambodia’s best marathoner Hem Bunting still exiled from the national team.

Three athletes, all female, that have been confirmed as wild card recipients for the Olympics include swimmer Hem Thon Vitiny, 200 metres sprinter Chan Seyha and taekwondo star Sorn Davin.